About the Foundation

Our mission: To promote philanthropy in support of public awareness, research, and education in audiology and hearing and balance science.

Our Vision: Support for advancements in hearing and balance science that enhance the experiences of life.

The American Academy of Audiology Foundation was founded in 1990 by the American Academy of Audiology (Academy) Board of Directors. The Foundation underwent a reorganization in 1999 leading to its current structure in 2002. The Foundation has grown each year, expanding the number of programs it offers and growing its list of generous supporters. 

The Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Academy and is an Academy partner along with the American Board of Audiology (ABA), Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE), and Student Academy of Audiology (SAA).

The AAAF Board of Trustees sets funding priorities on an annual basis. The board consults with Academy leadership and its partners to ascertain which programs or initiatives are in urgent need of funding or considered “high priority.” Also, there are several programs that the Foundation has committed to funding annually such as the Research Grants in Hearing and Balance and Marion Downs Lecture in Pediatric Audiology.

The Foundation’s programs reach audiologists, audiology students, consumers, and those with hearing impairments and balance disorders. Our initiatives can be broadly categorized into one of three areas that correspond with our mission: research, education, and public awareness. 

Yes! You’ll find our booth in Academy Central, so please stop by and say hello! At the AAA Annual Conference, the Foundation also supports the Marion Downs Lecture in Pediatric Audiology Lecture, the James Jerger Awards for Excellence in Student Research, and Student Research Forum Awards. You can also join us for some fun at one or all of the Foundation fundraisers: Happy Hour, Cheers for Ears, and Auction 4 Audiology.

Most simply: you should give to AAA Foundation because it is your Foundation. The Foundation supports future audiologists, those just starting out, those well-established in their career, those retired from the profession. Across the audiology spectrum, the culture of philanthropy that the Foundation creates allows us to launch initiatives in research, education, and public awareness in the hearing and balance sciences that have the greatest impact. However, you don't need to be in the audiology profession to support the Foundation. Perhaps you or someone you know has been directly impacted by hearing impairment or balance disorder? Perhaps someone you care about has dedicated their life to hearing and balance science? Your gift can help advance the future of audiology.  

There are many different ways to give, so you can find the one that's best for you! You can make a tax-deductible gift online or with your Academy membership renewal. You can also make a gift by phone at 1-800-881-5410. In addition, you have the option to restrict your gift to support particular initiatives that may be important to you or to make a memorial or tribute gift. The easiest way to support the Foundation? Pledge a monthly gift in any denomination, and we will automatically bill your credit or debit card each month.  

Besides exploring our website, one of the best ways to learn about the Foundation is our Annual Report entitled: The Year In Review. It offers a great overview of the AAAF while highlighting the year's programs, events, grant recipients, donors, and much more.

You can also contact us directly.